Horses in Barn 28 at Saratoga placed under quarantine due to a suspected case of strangles

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) have placed a group of horses located in Barn 28 on the main track side of Saratoga Race Course under quarantine due to a suspected case of strangles.

Strangles is a contagious bacterial infection that generally affects a horse’s respiratory system and causes symptoms similar to those of strep throat in humans. When properly diagnosed and treated, strangles is not considered a life-threatening infection and horses recover fully.

The 4-year-old filly [Surprenant Cocca], who is trained by Mike Maker and stabled in Barn 28, presented symptoms early Saturday, July 19 and has been transported offsite for additional testing.

Barn 28, which also contains several horses trained by Mark Casse, will be placed under quarantine until test results are received and additional guidance is provided.

Casse has two horses stabled in Barn 28 that will be scratched from today’s July 19 Saratoga card as a result of the precautionary quarantine. In Race 10, the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks, La Cara will be scratched; and in Race 7, first-time starter Our Magical Moon, will also be scratched.

Horses in Barn 28 will not be permitted to enter races or train among the general horse population at this time.

NYRA and the NYSGC implemented standard infectious disease protocols including restricting access to the horses in the affected barns, establishing a 24-hour security watch, mandating regular temperature checks for the horses in that barn and enacting biosecurity measures for all individuals requiring access to Barn 28.

Beyond the quarantine protocols currently in place, NYRA has enacted no additional restrictions over shipping horses in and out of Saratoga.

NYRA will provide updates as appropriate.